Celebrate Valentine's Day all weekend

Celebrate Valentine's Day all weekend

Hearts, chocolate, delectable food, champagne and splurging on something romantic and fun - that's what most people expect for Valentine's Day. -- Valentine's Day in Savannah means all of that, plus the uniqueness of experiencing this holiday with a loved one in our charming, beautiful city. -- Whether it's strolling hand-in-hand through downtown, dining at one of the city's many upscale restaurants, picnicking in Forsyth Park, or taking a romantic carriage ride through historic downtown, there's no end to the options Savannah has to offer for this most romantic of all holidays. -- Here are a few ways to celebrate Valentine's Day and find the love that's sure to be in the air.

Enjoy a Jazzy Valentine's Concert

The Coastal Jazz Association will present its second annual Valentine's Concert with Jazz - Just Across the River on Sunday at the Westin Harbor Resort. Say "I love you" with food, wine and jazz. Music will be performed by the Savannah Stompers Jazz Band. The Savannah Stompers Jazz Band plays traditional jazz tunes, found in New Orleans, Chicago and Memphis. The band is most recently known for its involvement with Disney's "The Last Song," where they recorded several songs to be considered for the film and were a part of the wedding reception scene in the film. Romance and jazz go hand in hand, and an evening of both makes for a memorable Valentine's experience. 5 p.m. Sunday, Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, 1 Resort Drive. Event is free for CJA members and $10 for non-members. Join and admission is free. More information: 912-920-1317 or coastal-jazz.org.

Partake in a Prohibition-themed beer dinner

Dressing up in 1920s and '30s attire, enjoying five courses of tasty food, drinking seven craft beers in a speakeasy-themed setting - this is The Distillery's take on a fun Valentine's Day dinner. The Prohibition-themed beer dinner, "Distill My Heart" will be held Monday at The Distillery, with reservations required to attend. Both couples and singles are invited to join in on the fun, said Ben Volen, general manager at The Distillery. "Valentine's Day is an annual commemoration held on Feb. 14, celebrating love and affection. We at The Distillery, choose to show our love and affection to what we hold dear - water, hops, barley and yeast," Volen said. The beers featured at the event will be from Victory Brewing Company. "Victory Brewing Company is known for their motto 'Resist Prohibition,' which we will be literally taking to heart as we step back in time to explore what a Speakeasy of the 1920s would feel like," Volen said." We will be having a joyous time with friends celebrating the creative expertise of great beer and food pairing." 6 p.m. Monday, The Distillery, 416 West Liberty St. Reservation/pricing: $60 for beer club members, $70 for non-beer club members. More information: 912-236-1772 or distillerysavannah.com.

Say 'Je t'aime'

For Valentine's weekend, keep it romantic and serene, and enjoy some delicious French food straight from Broughton Street. Choose a meal from the many take-out options at Papillote, such as a cheese plate, a bottle of wine and something sweet or savory. "The cheese plate and wine is great for something romantic in the park," said Ann Marie Apgar, owner of Papillote. "You can go to the scenic destination of your choice and enjoy an area that's romantic or special to you, or you can bring the meal home or bring it to your hotel. Even if they want to eat here, we have the French music playing, and it's cozy." The cafe also makes a Valrhona Chocolate Lava Cake that can be enjoyed there or taken home to bake. "Who doesn't think of chocolate at Valentine's Day?" Apgar said. For their Valentine's promotion last year, the cafe offered steamed fish, oyster soup, macaroons and a bottle of wine, all for a fixed price. "You can treat your loved one to something special without going out and paying a lot," Apgar said. Papillote, 18 W. Broughton St. More information: 912-232-1881 or papillote-savannah.com.

Take a romantic horse-drawn carriage tour

The formula for one romantic experience in Savannah consists of a horse-drawn carriage and soaking in the beauty of downtown with a loved one. "What's not appealing about a carriage ride? I think it's the epitome of romance," said Cara Sandt, owner of Carriage Tours of Savannah. Valentine's Day is a big holiday for the tour group, catering to brides and grooms, as well as tourists and locals. "Lots of people like to do carriage rides on Valentine's Day," Sandt said. For the Valentine's holiday, Sandt said they will be bringing out their "Cinderella Carriage" for couples to enjoy a romantic ride downtown. The private carriage tours book up in advance, so Sandt recommends making early reservations. The Savor Savannah tour package includes a bottle of wine and a fruit and cheese platter with the carriage ride. "We have packages we offer and love to help people figure out what they're going to do. We give advice on restaurants and get flowers or wine for them to bring on the carriage," Sandt said. "We enjoy providing good customer service. That's what we're about." Carriage Tours of Savannah, located at the corner of Jefferson and West St. Julian streets. More information: 912-236-6756 or carriagetoursofsavannah.com